Memory - The Working Memory Model

Question 1

What is the working memory model?

Answer 1

An explanation of the memory used when working on a task. Each store is qualitatively different.

Question 2

Who first described the working memory model?

Answer 2

Baddeley and Hitch (1974) - felt that the STM was not just one store but a number of different stores.

Question 3

Definition of central executive

Answer 3

• monitors and coordinates all other mental functions in working memory.
• directs attention to particular tasks.
• determines how the brains ‘resources’ are allocated to tasks.
• doesn’t store anything

Question 4

Definition of phonological loop

Answer 4

-codes speech sounds in working memory, typically involving maintenance rehearsal.
-deals with auditory information and preserves the order of information.
-Baddeley (1986) divided the loop into:
•the phonological store which holds words you hear
•an articulatory process which is used for words that are heard or seen. These words are silently repeated like and inner voice.
-this is why this component of working memory is referred to as a ‘loop’.

Question 5

Definition of visuo-spatial sketchpad

Answer 5

-codes visual information in terms of separate objects as well as the arrangement of these objects in one’s visual field.
-visual information - what things look like
-spatial information - the physical relationship between things
-Logie (1995) suggested that the VSS can be divided into:
•a visual cache which stores information about visual items, e.g form and colour
•an inner scribe which store the arrangement of objects in the visual field

Question 6

Definition of episodic buffer

Answer 6

• receives input from many sources, temporarily stores this information, and then integrates it in order to construct a mental episode of what is being experienced.
• extra storage system that, like the other components, has limited capacity.
• records events that are happening and sends information to the LTM

Question 7

Strengths of working memory model

Answer 7

Hitch and Baddeley - dual task performance study - two tasks which required different parts of the model - participants were slower when doing dual tasks
Case studies:
•KF - damage to phonological loop, problems with verbal material (words not sounds)
•SC - damage to phonological loop, unable to learn word pairs presented out loud
•LH - damage to spatial system
-longer words cannot be rehearsed (supports phonological loop)

Question 8

Limitations of working memory model

Answer 8

• CE doesn’t explain anything and more complex than currently represented - evidence from EVR case study
• brain damage evidence unreliable because trauma may cause problems anyway